Germany Sees Record-High Citizenship Numbers in 2024: Over 291,000 Naturalised
Germany granted citizenship to a record-breaking 291,955 people in 2024, marking the highest number since such data began being recorded in 2000, according to new data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This figure represents a staggering 46% increase compared to 2023, underlining a growing demand for German nationality.
Syrians Lead Citizenship Surge
Syrian nationals accounted for the largest share of new citizens, with 83,150 individuals—around 28% of the total—receiving German passports. Notably, nine percent of all Syrian nationals living in Germany at the start of 2024 were naturalised during the year.
Former Turkish citizens followed, with 22,525 gaining German citizenship, making up 8% of the total. Iraqi (13,545), Russian (12,980), and Afghan (10,085) nationals were also among the top five groups.
Russians See Sixfold Increase
One of the most dramatic shifts in the data comes from Russian nationals. In 2024, 12,980 Russians became German citizens—a 551% increase from 2023, when just 1,995 were naturalised. This surge may reflect changing geopolitical circumstances and growing migration trends linked to the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Similarly, naturalisations of Turkish nationals rose by 110%, translating to nearly 11,800 more individuals than in the previous year. Syrian naturalisations also continued to climb, increasing by 10% compared to 2023.
Integration, Family, and Residency Lengths
Destatis attributes much of the growth in naturalisations to policy changes and integration initiatives. In 2024, about 86% of those naturalised were part of family naturalisations, including spouses and children. Another 7% were granted citizenship after completing special integration efforts—such as shorter residency requirements or civic achievements.
The average length of stay in Germany at the time of naturalisation was 11.8 years, slightly up from 10.9 years in 2023. For Syrian nationals, the average was 7.4 years, compared to 6.8 years the previous year.
Additionally, Germany granted citizenship to 4,130 stateless individuals, accounting for 22% of all stateless residents in the country.
As the trend continues, Germany’s evolving citizenship policy and demographic shifts are likely to shape the nation's social and political landscape in the years ahead.
Source: Schengen.News
